Under Secretary for Transport & Logistics Liu Chun-san is leading a delegation on a visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain to promote Hong Kong's advantages and opportunities as an international maritime and logistics hub.

The delegation comprises members of the Hong Kong Maritime & Port Board and the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council as well as representatives from the Marine Department and Invest Hong Kong.

As Mr Liu and the group began their visit to Dubai and Abu Dhabi on December 9, they met representatives of shipping companies, port operators and maritime organisations.

During such meetings, Mr Liu highlighted Hong Kong's high value-added maritime services, green shipping and the exploration of tax concessions for commodity trading, the enhanced services of the Hong Kong Shipping Registry, as well as business opportunities for shipping companies to establish and expand their business in Hong Kong.

The trip included a tour of Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi to gain an understanding of the port's operation.

The delegation also introduced to the representatives of an arbitration centre there the uniqueness of Hong Kong as a common law jurisdiction and the benefits as one of the four arbitration venues designated by the Baltic & International Maritime Council, facilitating an exchange of talent and co-operation between the two sides.

Mr Liu and the delegates also paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the UAE Zhang Yiming, and briefed him on Hong Kong's development directions for the port and maritime sectors.

Mr Liu said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continuously co-operate with the industry to showcase Hong Kong's maritime strengths and expand its network to develop the city as a world-leading international maritime centre.

As part of today’s agenda, the delegation is visiting Dubai and Bahrain.